Featured business person: Jason Oldfather

Oldfather likes the interaction with clients that goes along with designing their homes.

"I really just like getting to know people on a personal level, understanding what they like and how they live," he said.

Oldfather, 33, grew up in Wichita and graduated from Kansas State University with an architecture degree. He spent 10 years working for a firm in Aspen, Colo., that specialized in high-end residential design.

"If we can find that kind of market in Wichita, we’d love it," said Oldfather, who also has experience in commercial design.

Oldfather said he and his wife, Susan, wanted to return to Wichita so that they could raise their 3-year-old daughter around her grandparents.

Shelden Architecture, founded in 2002 and located in Old Town, is known for work on numerous developments, including The Alley and Plazzio, the Barnes & Noble in Bradley Fair and the Hartman Oil Building.

Oldfather figures he’ll fit right in.

"I guess I’ve always just had a love for design and creative stuff like that," he said.